Over 130,000 people in the UK have multiple sclerosis (MS). It’s unpredictable, and different for everyone. It’s often painful and exhausting, and can cause problems with how we walk, move, see, think and feel. But it doesn’t have to be this way. The MS Society is the UK’s largest organisation dedicated to supporting people with MS and those who care about them. We fund world-leading scientists as they search for new treatments. We make sure everyone can access expert information and services to help them live well with MS. We speak up together, to make sure everyone’s voice is heard and rights are protected. We support one another when times are tough and celebrate together when they are good. We make sure no one has to feel alone. But we know we can deliver more impact for MS communities. We’ve embarked on an ambitious transformation programme to deepen our engagement and increase our reach, and drive us closer to our vision of a world free from the effects of MS. And in 2025, we’ll launch a new strategy to get us there.

THE ROLE

We’re now looking for a Trustee with significant fundraising and engagement expertise to help shape our strategic direction and steer our transformation programme. We want to grow our income, going from good to great on our public fundraising and to diversify our income streams to achieve the financial support we need to realise our ambitions. At all times, we want to keep pace with the MS community’s expectations, building enduring relationships with as many people as possible and keeping the needs and priorities of people affected by MS at the heart of everything we do. As a member of our Board, you’ll offer the challenge and support we need to help us achieve this. 

We’re keen to hear from you if you have a successful track record of delivering a step change in income growth across a range of fundraising channels, and the expertise to support our ongoing transformation programme. You’ll need to understand the opportunities and challenges faced by the charity sector and be committed to the benefits of an integrated approach to fundraising and engagement. You may be a current Director of Fundraising, a fundraising consultant who is actively engaged across the sector, or a Chief Executive whose roots are in fundraising and engagement. Whoever you are, you will be someone with the highest level of personal integrity and maturity of judgement, with strong analytical skills and the ability to work collaboratively within a diverse Board.

Our Trustees are a critical part of an organisation that is people-centred and forward-thinking. More than ever, it is important that we have the strong strategic leadership and governance required to achieve our vision. If you bring the skills and experience we are looking for and are motivated by our commitment to transform lives and stop MS, I hope you will read on to find out more.